Washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes initiating a learning cycle of the washing machine appliance. During the learning cycle, at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of a heated water supply, a flow rate and a temperature for a cold water supply and a drain rate of a drain pump is determined or established and stored within a memory of the washing machine appliance. The method can assist with improving a performance and/or efficiency of the washing machine appliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances and methods for operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing washfluid, e.g., water, detergent, and/or bleach. A drum is rotatablymounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt ofarticles for washing. During operation of such washing machineappliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles withinthe wash chamber of the drum.

Various factors can affect efficacy and/or efficiency of wash cycleswith washing machine appliances. As an example, relatively hot washfluid can be most effective for washing certain articles whilerelatively cold wash fluid can be most effective for washing otherarticles. However, forming wash fluid at a particular temperature can bedifficult. In particular, a water heater that supplies heated water tothe washing machine appliance in order to form hot wash fluid can be setto a variety of temperatures such that predicting a temperature of thehot wash fluid can be difficult.

As another example, a large volume of wash fluid can assist with washingrelatively large loads of articles while only a small volume of washfluid may be needed to wash relatively small loads of articles. However,a pressure of water entering the washing machine appliance can vary fromone building to another such that predicting a flow rate of waterentering the washing machine appliance can be difficult. Other factorscan also affect wash cycle efficacy of washing machine appliances andcan also be difficult to determine or control.

Certain washing machine appliances include flow conditioners orrestrictors for regulating the pressure of water entering the washingmachine appliances. However, such components can be difficult tomanufacture and can add to an overall cost of the washing machineappliances. In particular, testing or confirming proper operation ofsuch components can be difficult and/or expensive.

Accordingly, a method for improving operation or performance of washingmachine appliances would be useful. In particular, a method forimproving operation or performance of washing machine appliances bydetermining and/or regulating factors affecting operation or performanceof the washing machine appliances would be useful. In addition, a methodfor improving operation or performance of washing machine appliancesthat also permits tolerances of various components of the washingmachine appliances to be opened or loosened would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance and amethod for operating a washing machine appliance. The method includesinitiating a learning cycle of the washing machine appliance. During thelearning cycle, at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of aheated water supply, a flow rate and a temperature for a cold watersupply and a drain rate of a drain pump is determined or established andstored within a memory of the washing machine appliance. The method canassist with improving a performance and/or efficiency of the washingmachine appliance. Additional aspects and advantages of the inventionwill be set forth in part in the following description, or may beapparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of theinvention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a washingmachine appliance is provided. The method includes initiating a learningcycle of the washing machine appliance, determining a flow rate and atemperature of a heated water supply of the washing machine applianceduring the learning cycle, establishing a flow rate and a temperaturefor a cold water supply the washing machine appliance during thelearning cycle, ascertaining a drain rate of a drain pump of the washingmachine during the learning cycle, and storing the flow rate of theheated water supply, the temperature of the heated water supply, theflow rate of the cold water supply, the temperature of the cold watersupply and the drain rate of the drain pump in a memory of the washingmachine appliance during the learning cycle.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance isprovided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub and a basketrotatably mounted within the tub. A motor is configured for selectivelyrotating the basket within the tub. A heated water supply conduit has anoutlet positioned at the tub. The heated water supply conduit isconfigured for directing a flow of heated water into the tub at theoutlet of the heated water supply conduit. A heated water supply valveis configured for regulating the flow of heated water though the heatedwater supply conduit. A drain conduit has an inlet positioned at thetub. A drain pump is configured for selectively urging a flow of liquidout of the tub through the drain conduit. A temperature sensor ispositioned adjacent the tub. The temperature sensor is configured formeasuring a temperature of liquid within the tub or in the heated watersupply conduit. A controller is in operative communication with themotor, the heated water supply valve, the drain pump and the temperaturesensor. The controller is configured for working the heated water supplyvalve in order to direct heated water into the tub though the outlet ofthe heated water conduit. A first volume of heated water is disposedwithin the tub after the step of actuating. The controller is alsoconfigured for measuring a temperature of the first volume of heatedwater with the temperature sensor, operating the drain pump in order todrain the first volume of heated water from the tub and actuating theheated water supply valve in order to direct heated water into the tubthough the outlet of the heated water conduit. A second volume of heatedwater is disposed within the tub after the step of actuating. Thecontroller is further configured for determining a heated water flowrate based at least in part on at least one of a time interval of thestep of operating and a time interval of the step of actuating, gauginga temperature of the second volume of heated water with the temperaturesensor, establishing a temperature of heated water within the heatedwater supply based at least in part on at least one of the temperatureof the first volume of heated water and the temperature of the secondvolume of heated water, running the drain pump in order to drain thesecond volume of heated water from the tub, ascertaining a drain rate ofthe drain pump based at least in part on at least one of a time intervalof the step of operating and a time interval of the step of running andstoring the heated water flow rate, the temperature of heated waterwithin the heated water supply and the drain rate within a memory of thecontroller.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a method for operating an appliance, isprovided. The method includes initiating a learning cycle of theappliance, establishing an operational parameter of the appliance duringthe learning cycle, and storing the operational parameter of theappliance in a memory of the appliance during the learning cycle.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 provides a side, section view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for operating a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a washing machine applianceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of an exemplary horizontal axiswashing machine appliance 100. FIG. 2 provides a side, section view ofwashing machine appliance 100. As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machineappliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion103 and a bottom portion 105, e.g., along a vertical direction. Cabinet102 also includes a front panel 104. A door 112 is mounted to frontpanel 104 and is rotatable about a hinge (not shown) between an openposition facilitating access to a wash drum or basket 120 (FIG. 2)located within cabinet 102, and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1)hindering access to basket 120. A user may pull on a handle 113 in orderto adjust door 112 between the open position and the closed position.

A control panel 108 including a plurality of input selectors 110 iscoupled to front panel 104. Control panel 108 and input selectors 110collectively form a user interface input for operator selection ofmachine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display111 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other itemsof interest to machine users.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a tub 114 defines a wash compartment 119configured for receipt of a washing fluid. Thus, tub 114 is configuredfor containing washing fluid, e.g., during operation of washing machineappliance 100. Washing fluid disposed within tub 114 may include atleast one of water, fabric softener, bleach, and detergent. Tub 114includes a back wall 116 and a sidewall 118 and also extends between atop 115 and a bottom 117, e.g., along the vertical direction.

Basket 120 is rotatably mounted within tub 114 in a spaced apartrelationship from tub sidewall 118 and the tub back wall 116. Basket 120defines a wash chamber 121 and an opening 122. Opening 122 of basket 120permits access to wash chamber 121 of basket 120, e.g., in order to loadarticles into basket 120 and remove articles from basket 120. Basket 120also defines a plurality of perforations 124 to facilitate fluidcommunication between an interior of basket 120 and tub 114. A sump 107is defined by tub 114 and is configured for receipt of washing fluidduring operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100, washing fluid may be urgedby gravity from basket 120 to sump 107 through plurality of perforations124.

A spout 130 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub 114.Spout 130 may be in fluid communication with at least one water supplyin order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into tub 114. Inparticular, spout 130 is in fluid communication with a heated watersupply 190, such as a hot water heater appliance, via a heated waterconduit 194 and a cold water supply 192, such as a well or municipalwater system, via a cold water conduit 196. Thus, spout 130 can receiveand direct into tub 114 a flow of heated water from heated water supply190 through heated water conduit 194 and/or a flow of cold water fromcold water supply 192 through cold water conduit 196.

Heated water within heated water supply 190 can have any suitabletemperature. For example, heated water within heated water supply 190may have a temperature greater than about one hundred and ten degreesFahrenheit, greater than about one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheitor greater than about one hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit. Thus,heated water supply 190 can be configured to heat water to any suitabletemperature.

Cold water within cold water supply 192 can also have any suitabletemperature, e.g., such that cold water within cold water supply 192 iscolder than heated water within heated water supply 190. For example,cold water within cold water supply 192 may have a temperature less thanabout one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, less than about eighty degreesFahrenheit or less than about seventy degrees Fahrenheit. In particular,the temperature of cold water within cold water supply 192 may be aboutequal to an ambient temperature of a building housing washing machineappliance 100.

Heated water within heated water supply 190 can have any suitable flowrate. Cold water within cold water supply 192 can also have any suitableflow rate. For example, heated water within heated water supply 190and/or cold water within cold water supply 192 may have a flow rate thatis directly proportional to a pressure of water within cold water supply192. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the flowrates of heated water supply 190 and/or cold water supply 192 can vary,e.g., depending upon the pressure of water within cold water supply 192.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes a heated water valve 182 and acold water valve 184. Heated water valve 182 is coupled to andconfigured for regulating the flow of heated water through heated waterconduit 194. For example, heated water valve 182 is selectivelyadjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Inthe closed configuration, heated water valve 182 obstructs or blocks theflow of heated water though heated water conduit 194. Conversely, heatedwater valve 182 permits the flow of heated water though heated waterconduit 194 in the open configuration.

Cold water valve 184 is coupled to and configured for regulating theflow of cold water through cold water conduit 196. For example, coldwater valve 184 is selectively adjustable between an open arrangementand a closed arrangement. In the closed arrangement, cold water valve184 obstructs or blocks the flow of cold water though cold water conduit196. Conversely, cold water valve 184 permits the flow of cold waterthough cold water conduit 196 in the open arrangement.

It should be understood that washing machine appliance 100 is providedby way of example only and that the present subject matter may be usedwith any suitable washing machine appliance. In alternative exemplaryembodiments, washing machine appliance 100 can be plumbed in anysuitable manner. Thus, heated water valve 182 may be any valveconfigured for regulating a flow of heated water into tub 114, such as adetergent valve or a bleach valve. Similarly, cold water valve 184 maybe any valve configured for regulating a flow of cold water into tub114, such as the detergent valve or the bleach valve.

A drain pump or pump assembly 150 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) islocated beneath tub 114 for draining tub 114 of fluid. Pump assembly 150is in fluid communication with sump 107 of tub 114 via a conduit 170.Thus, conduit 170 directs fluid from tub 114 to pump assembly 150. Pumpassembly 150 is also in fluid communication with a drain 140 via piping174. Pump assembly 150 can urge fluid disposed in sump 107 to drain 140during operation of washing machine appliance 100 in order to removefluid from tub 114. Fluid received by drain 140 from pump assembly 150is directed out of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., to a sewer orseptic system. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, adrain rate of pump assembly 150 can vary, e.g., depending upon avertical height of a drain line of a building housing washing machineappliance 100 relative to pump assembly 150 and/or a voltage or powerapplied to pump assembly 150.

In addition, pump assembly 150 is configured for recirculating washingfluid within tub 114. Thus, pump assembly 150 is configured for urgingfluid from sump 107, e.g., to spout 130. For example, pump assembly 150may urge washing fluid in sump 107 to spout 130 via hose 176 duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100 in order to assist incleaning articles disposed in basket 120. It should be understood thatconduit 170, piping 174, and hose 176 may be constructed of any suitablemechanism for directing fluid, e.g., a pipe, duct, conduit, hose, ortube, and are not limited to any particular type of mechanism.

A motor 128 is in mechanical communication with basket 120 in order toselectively rotate basket 120, e.g., during an agitation or a rinsecycle of washing machine appliance 100 as described below. Ribs 126extend from basket 120 into wash chamber 121. Ribs 126 assist agitationof articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washingmachine appliance 100. For example, ribs 126 may lift articles disposedin basket 120 during rotation of basket 120.

A drawer 109 is slidably mounted within front panel 104. Drawer 109receives a wash additive (solid or liquid) (e.g., detergent, fabricsoftener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid) and directs the washadditive to wash compartment 119 during operation of washing machineappliance 100. Additionally, a reservoir 160 is disposed within cabinet102. Reservoir 160 is also configured for receipt of wash additive foruse during operation of washing machine appliance 100 (shown in FIG. 1).Reservoir 160 is sized such that a volume of wash additive sufficientfor a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance100 may fill reservoir 160. Thus, for example, a user can fill reservoir160 with wash additive and operate washing machine appliance 100 for aplurality of wash cycles without refilling reservoir 160 with washadditive. A reservoir pump 162 is configured for selective delivery ofthe wash additive from reservoir 160 to tub 114.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a processingdevice or controller 180 that is operatively coupled to control panel108 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features.In response to user manipulation of control panel 108, controller 180operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 toexecute selected machine cycles and features. For example, controller180 is in operative communication with motor 128. Thus, controller 180can selectively activate and operate motor 128, e.g., depending upon acycle selected by a user of washing machine appliance 100.

Controller 180 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with washingmachine cycles. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 180 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 108 and other components of washing machine appliance 100may be in communication with controller 180 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses.

Washing machine appliance 100 also includes a temperature sensor 186.Temperature sensor 186 is mounted to tub 114, e.g., and positionedwithin wash compartment 119 of tub 114 at bottom 117 of tub 114.Temperature sensor 186 is configured for measuring a temperature ofliquid in tub 114. Temperature sensor 186 can be any suitabletemperature sensor. For example, temperature sensor 186 may be athermistor, a thermocouple, etc. In alternative exemplary embodimentstemperature sensor 186 can be mounted to any suitable component ofwashing machine appliance 100. For example, temperature sensor 186 maybe mounted to or positioned at heated water conduit 194 or cold waterconduit 196. As another example, temperature sensor 186 may be mountedto or positioned at spout 130.

In an illustrative example of operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into basket 120, and washing operation isinitiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 110. Tub 114is filled with water and detergent to form a washing fluid. One or morevalves, such as hot and cold water valves 182 and 184 (or the detergentdrawer valve or the bleach valve), can be actuated by controller 180 toprovide for filling tub 114 to the appropriate level for the amount ofarticles being washed. Once tub 114 is properly filled with washingfluid, the contents of basket 120 are agitated with ribs 126 forcleaning of laundry items in basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 114 isdrained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding washingfluid to tub 114, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycleselected by a user, ribs 126 may again provide agitation within washchamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, aspin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinsecycle in order to wring washing fluid from the articles being washed.During a spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontalaxis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed hereinit will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine applianceshaving different configurations, different appearances, and/or differentfeatures may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well,e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for operating a washing machineappliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. Method 300 can be used to operate any suitable washing machineappliance. For example, method 300 may be used to operate washingmachine appliance 100 (FIG. 1). In particular, controller 180 may beprogrammed or configured to implement method 300. Utilizing method 300,a performance and/or efficiency of washing machine appliance 100 can beimproved, e.g., by storing various operational parameters of washingmachine appliance 100 within memory of controller 180.

At step 310, a learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 isinitiated. The learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 can beinitiated at any suitable time. For example, controller 180 can initiatethe learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 when washing machineappliance 100 is installed or first activated. Thus, step 310 can beperformed during installation of washing machine appliance 100 in abuilding.

At step 320, a flow rate and a temperature of heated water supply 190 isdetermined, e.g., during the learning cycle. As an example, controller180 can actuate heated water valve 182 to the open configuration duringstep 320. With heated water valve 182 in the open configuration, heatedwater from heated water supply 190 can flow into tub 114 through heatedwater conduit 194. In such a manner, controller 180 can direct a volumeof heated water from heated water supply 190 into tub 114 over a timeinterval at step 320.

In particular, when heated water from heated water supply 190 fills tub114 to a predetermined height, controller 180 can adjust heated watervalve 182 to the closed configuration. The predetermined height can beassociated with the volume of heated water such that the volume ofheated water is disposed within tub 114 when heated water from heatedwater supply 190 fills tub 114 to the predetermined height. Controller180 can calculate the flow rate of heated water supply 190 based atleast in part on the volume of heated water within tub 114 and the timeinterval. In particular, controller 180 can divide the volume of heatedwater within tub 114 by the time interval in order to determine the flowrate of heated water supply 190 at step 320.

As another example, controller 180 can actuate heated water valve 182 tothe open configuration during step 320. With heated water valve 182 inthe open configuration, heated water from heated water supply 190 canflow into tub 114 through heated water conduit 194. In such a manner,controller 180 can direct a first volume of heated water from heatedwater supply 190 into tub 114 at step 320. With the first volume ofheated water disposed in tub 114, controller 180 can measure atemperature of the first volume of heated water in tub 114 withtemperature sensor 186 in order to establish a transition temperature ofheated water supply 190. The transition temperature of heated watersupply 190 can correspond to a temperature of heated water from heatedwater supply 190 that includes a slug of relatively cold water fromwithin heated water conduit 194 such that the slug of relatively coldwater is at least a portion of the first volume of heated water. Theslug of relatively cold water can form within heated water conduit 194when heated water within heated water conduit 194 cools and approachesan ambient temperature around heated water conduit 194 over time. Afterestablishing the transition temperature of heated water supply 190,controller 180 can activate pump assembly 150 in order to drain thefirst volume of heated water from tub 114 and remove the first volume ofheated water from washing machine appliance 100 via drain 140.

After draining tub 114, controller 180 can refill tub 114 with heatedwater from heated water supply 190 by actuating heated water valve 182to the open configuration. With heated water valve 182 in the openconfiguration, heated water from heated water supply 190 can flow intotub 114 through heated water conduit 194, and controller 180 can directa second volume of heated water from heated water supply 190 into tub114 at step 320. With the second volume of heated water disposed in tub114, controller 180 can gauge a temperature of the second volume ofheated water in tub 114 with temperature sensor 186 in order toestablish a steady state temperature of heated water supply 190. Thesteady state temperature of heated water supply 190 can correspond to atemperature of heated water directly from heated water supply 190. Thus,after removing the slug of cold water from heated water conduit 194 withthe first volume of heated water, controller 180 can direct the secondvolume of heated water into tub 114, e.g., in order to determine thetemperature of heated water supply 190. It should be understood thatstep 320 can be repeated any suitable number of times to update oraverage the flow rate and/or the temperature of heated water supply 190.

At step 330, a flow rate and a temperature of cold water supply 192 isestablished, e.g., during the learning cycle. As an example, controller180 can actuate cold water valve 184 to the open arrangement during step330. With cold water valve 184 in the open arrangement, cold water fromcold water supply 192 can flow into tub 114 through cold water conduit196. In such a manner, controller 180 can direct a volume of cold waterfrom cold water supply 192 into tub 114 over a time interval at step330.

In particular, when cold water from cold water supply 192 fills tub 114to a predetermined height, controller 180 can adjust cold water valve184 to the closed arrangement. The predetermined height can beassociated with the volume of cold water such that the volume of coldwater is disposed within tub 114 when cold water from cold water supply192 fills tub 114 to the predetermined height. Controller 180 cancalculate the flow rate of cold water supply 192 based at least in parton the volume of cold water within tub 114 and the time interval. Inparticular, controller 180 can divide the volume of cold water withintub 114 by the time interval in order to determine the flow rate of coldwater supply 192 at step 330.

As another example, controller 180 can actuate cold water valve 184 tothe open arrangement during step 330. With cold water valve 184 in theopen arrangement, cold water from cold water supply 192 can flow intotub 114 through cold water conduit 196. In such a manner, controller 180can direct a first volume of cold water from cold water supply 192 intotub 114 at step 330. With the first volume of cold water disposed in tub114, controller 180 can measure a temperature of the first volume ofcold water in tub 114 with temperature sensor 186 in order to establisha transition temperature of cold water supply 192. The transitiontemperature of cold water supply 192 can correspond to a temperature ofcold water from cold water supply 192 that includes a slug of ambienttemperature water from within cold water conduit 196 such that the slugof ambient temperature water is at least a portion of the first volumeof cold water. The slug of ambient temperature water can form withincold water conduit 196 when cold water within cold water conduit 196approaches an ambient temperature around cold water conduit 196 overtime. After establishing the transition temperature of cold water supply192, controller 180 can activate pump assembly 150 in order to drain thefirst volume of cold water from tub 114 and remove the first volume ofcold water from washing machine appliance 100 via drain 140.

After draining tub 114, controller 180 can refill tub 114 with coldwater from cold water supply 192 by actuating cold water valve 184 tothe open arrangement. With cold water valve 184 in the open arrangement,cold water from cold water supply 192 can flow into tub 114 through coldwater conduit 196, and controller 180 can direct a second volume of coldwater from cold water supply 192 into tub 114 at step 330. With thesecond volume of cold water disposed in tub 114, controller 180 cangauge a temperature of the second volume of cold water in tub 114 withtemperature sensor 186 in order to establish a steady state temperatureof cold water supply 192. The steady state temperature of cold watersupply 192 can correspond to a temperature of cold water directly fromcold water supply 192. Thus, after removing the first volume of coldwater from cold water conduit 196, controller 180 can direct the secondvolume of cold water into tub 114, e.g., in order to determine thetemperature of cold water supply 192. It should be understood that step330 can be repeated any suitable number of times to update or averagethe flow rate and/or the temperature of cold water supply 192.

At step 340, a drain rate of pump assembly 150 is ascertained, e.g.,during the learning cycle. As an example, controller 180 can actuateheated water valve 182 to the open configuration and/or cold water valve184 to the open arrangement during step 340. With heated water valve 182in the open configuration and/or cold water valve 184 in the openarrangement, water can flow into tub 114 through heated water conduit194 and/or cold water conduit 196. In such a manner, controller 180 candirect a volume of water into tub 114 at step 340.

With the volume of water disposed in tub 114, controller 180 canactivate pump assembly 150 to remove the volume of water from tub 114with pump assembly 150 over a time interval. Controller 180 canestablish the drain rate of pump assembly 150 based at least in part onthe volume of water and the time interval. In particular, controller 180can divide the volume of water by the time interval to ascertain thedrain rate of pump assembly 150 at step 340. It should be understoodthat step 340 can be repeated any suitable number of times to update oraverage the drain rate of pump assembly 150.

It should be understood that steps 320, 330 and/or 340 need not beconducted or implemented in the order shown in FIG. 3. In alternativeexemplary embodiments, steps 320, 330 and/or 340 may be conducted orimplemented in any suitable order. In addition, in certain exemplaryembodiments, steps 320, 330 and/or 340 are conducted or carried outsimultaneously or concurrently, e.g., in order to reduce or minimize thenumber of fills and drains of tub 114.

At step 350, controller 180 stores, e.g., at least one of, the flow rateof heated water supply 190 determined at step 320, the temperature ofheated water supply 190 determined at step 320, the flow rate of coldwater supply 192 (e.g., the flow rate of liquid from cold water supply192 into tub 114 after restrictions in cold water conduit 196)established at step 330, the temperature of cold water supply 192established at step 330 and the drain rate of pump assembly 150ascertained at step 340 in a memory of controller 180 or washing machineappliance 100. Thus, the learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100can assist with determining or establishing a variety of operatingparameters of washing machine appliance 100. As discussed above,temperatures and flow rates of heated water supply 190 and/or cold watersupply 192 can vary from location to location. By establishing suchoperating parameters during a learning cycle of washing machineappliance 100, performance and/or efficiency of washing machineappliance 100 can be improved. In particular, a temperature and/orvolume of wash fluid within tub 114 during operation of washing machineappliance 100 can be more accurately controlled or regulated using suchstored operating parameters.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the operatingparameters of washing machine appliance 100 can change over time, e.g.,from season to season. Thus, method 300 can also include repeating steps310, 320, 330, 340 and 350 after a period of time, e.g., seasonally, inorder to update and/or replace the flow rate of heated water supply 190,the temperature of heated water supply 190, the flow rate of cold watersupply 192, the temperature of cold water supply 192 and the drain rateof pump assembly 150 within the memory of controller 180 or washingmachine appliance 100. In such a manner, the learning cycle of washingmachine appliance 100 can be repeated to account for changes in theoperating parameters of washing machine appliance 100.

Method 300 can also include calculating a load score of basket 120 orsystem drag of basket 120, e.g., during the learning cycle. Inparticular, the system drag on basket 120 can be calculated when basket120 has no articles for washing therein. As an example, to calculate thesystem drag of basket 120, controller 180 can operate motor 128 in orderto spin basket 120. With basket 120 spinning at a particular angularvelocity, controller 180 can deactivate motor 128, e.g., by shortingwindings of motor 128, and decrease the angular velocity of basket 120.After basket 120 decelerates, controller 180 can compute the system dragof basket 120 based at least in part on a change in inertia of basket120. In particular, a magnitude of a first and/or second derivative ofthe angular velocity of basket 120 can be inversely proportional to thesystem drag of basket 120. Thus, controller 180 can correlate themagnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocityof basket 120 to the system drag of basket 120. As another example, thesystem drag of basket 120 can be calculated based upon the powerdelivered to motor 128 or the torque applied by motor 128 to basket 128.If the system drag of basket 120 is outside of an expected range, method30 can include alerting a user of washing machine appliance 100.

Method 300 can also include verifying whether heated water supply 190and cold water supply 192 are reversed. For example, if heated waterconduit 194 is connected to cold water supply 192 and cold water conduit196 is connected to heated water supply 190, heated water supply 190 andcold water supply 192 can be reversed and negatively affect performanceand/or efficiency of washing machine appliance 100. Controller 180 canverify whether heated water supply 190 and cold water supply 192 arereversed, e.g., based at least in part on at least one of thetemperature of heated water supply 190 determined at step 320 and thetemperature of cold water supply 192 established at step 330. Forexample, controller 180 can comparing the temperature of heated watersupply 190 determined at step 320 to a threshold temperature, e.g.,about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit or about one hundred and twentydegrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature of heated water supply 190determined at step 320 does not exceed the threshold temperature,controller 180 can infer that heated water supply 190 and cold watersupply 192 are reversed, e.g., and request a user of washing machineappliance 100 to reverse heated water supply 190 and cold water supply192 by switching heated water conduit 194 and cold water conduit 196 orcontroller 180 can retitle heated water conduit 194 and cold waterconduit 196 appropriately. As another example, controller 180 cancomparing the temperature of cold water supply 192 established at step330 to a threshold temperature, e.g., about eighty degrees Fahrenheit orabout seventy degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature of cold watersupply 192 established at step 330 exceeds the threshold temperature,controller 180 can infer that heated water supply 190 and cold watersupply 192 are reversed, e.g., and request a user of washing machineappliance 100 to reverse heated water supply 190 and cold water supply192 by switching heated water conduit 194 and cold water conduit 196 orcontroller 180 can retitle heated water conduit 194 and cold waterconduit 196 appropriately. As another example, controller 180 cancomparing the temperature of cold water supply 192 established at step330 to the temperature of heated water supply 190 determined at step320. If the temperature of cold water supply 192 established at step 330is greater than the temperature of heated water supply 190 determined atstep 320, controller 180 can infer that heated water supply 190 and coldwater supply 192 are reversed, e.g., and request a user of washingmachine appliance 100 to reverse heated water supply 190 and cold watersupply 192 by switching heated water conduit 194 and cold water conduit196 or controller 180 can retitle heated water conduit 194 and coldwater conduit 196 appropriately.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for operating a washing machineappliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. Method 400 can be used to operate any suitable washing machineappliance. For example, method 400 may be used to operate washingmachine appliance 100 (FIG. 1). In particular, controller 180 may beprogrammed or configured to implement method 400. Utilizing method 400,a performance and/or efficiency of washing machine appliance 100 can beimproved, e.g., by storing various operational parameters of washingmachine appliance 100 within memory of controller 180.

At step 410, a learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 isinitiated. The learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 can beinitiated at any suitable time. For example, controller 180 can initiatethe learning cycle of washing machine appliance 100 when washing machineappliance 100 is installed or first activated. Thus, step 410 can beperformed during installation of washing machine appliance 100 in abuilding.

At step 415, controller 180 works heated water valve 182 in order todirect heated water into tub 114 though heated water conduit 194 e.g.,such that a first volume of heated water is disposed within tub 114after step 415. As another example, controller 180 can actuate heatedwater valve 182 to the open configuration during step 415. With heatedwater valve 182 in the open configuration, heated water from heatedwater supply 190 can flow into tub 114 through heated water conduit 194.In such a manner, controller 180 can direct the first volume of heatedwater from heated water supply 190 into tub 114 at step 415.

With the first volume of heated water disposed in tub 114, controller180 can measure a temperature of the first volume of heated water in tub114 with temperature sensor 186 at step 420, e.g., in order to establishthe transition temperature of heated water supply 190. At step 425,controller 180 operates pump assembly 150 in order to drain the firstvolume of heated water from tub 114 and remove the first volume ofheated water from washing machine appliance 100 via drain 140.

At step 430, controller 180 actuates heated water valve 182 in order todirect heated water into tub 114 though heated water conduit 194, e.g.,such that a second volume of heated water is disposed within tub 114after step 430. As an example, after draining tub 114 at step 425,controller 180 can refill tub 114 with heated water from heated watersupply 190 by actuating heated water valve 182 to the openconfiguration. With heated water valve 182 in the open configuration,heated water from heated water supply 190 can flow into tub 114 throughheated water conduit 194 until the second volume of heated water fromheated water supply 190 is disposed in tub 114.

At step 435, controller 180 determines a heated water flow rate, e.g.,into tub 114, based at least in part on at least one of a time intervalof step 415 and a time interval of step 430. As an example, controller180 can divide the first volume of heated water by the time interval ofstep 415 or the second volume of heated water by the time interval ofstep 430 in order to determine the heated water flow rate. It should beunderstood that steps 415, 430 and 435 can be repeated any suitablenumber of times to update, replace and/or average the flow rate ofheated water supply 190.

With the second volume of heated water disposed in tub 114, controller180 also gauges a temperature of the second volume of heated water intub 114 with temperature sensor 186 at step 440, e.g., in order toestablish the steady state temperature of heated water supply 190. Atstep 445, controller 180 establishes the temperature of heated waterwithin heated water supply 190 based at least in part on at least one ofthe temperature of the first volume of heated water measured at step 420and the temperature of the second volume of heated water gauged at step445. As an example, controller 180 can establish the transition andsteady state temperature of heated water supply 190 at step 445, e.g.,in the manner discussed above. It should be understood that steps 420,440 and 445 can be repeated any suitable number of times to update,replace and/or average the temperature of heated water within heatedwater supply 190.

At step 450, controller 180 runs pump assembly 150 in order to drain thesecond volume of heated water from tub 114 and remove the second volumeof heated water from washing machine appliance 100 via drain 140.Controller 180 also ascertains a drain rate of pump assembly 150 at step460, e.g., based at least in part on at least one of a time interval ofstep 425 and a time interval of step 450. As an example, controller 180can divide the first volume of heated water by the time interval of step425 or the second volume of heated water by the time interval of step450 in order to determine the drain rate at step 460. It should beunderstood that steps 425, 450 and 460 can be repeated any suitablenumber of times to update, replace and/or average the drain rate of pumpassembly 150.

At step 465, controller 180 stores the heated water flow rate, thetemperature of heated water within heated water supply 190 and the drainrate within a memory of controller 180. Thus, the learning cycle ofwashing machine appliance 100 can assist with determining orestablishing a variety of operating parameters of washing machineappliance 100. As discussed above, temperatures and flow rates of heatedwater supply 190 can vary from location to location. By establishingsuch operating parameters during a learning cycle of washing machineappliance 100, performance and/or efficiency of washing machineappliance 100 can be improved. In particular, a temperature and/orvolume of wash fluid within tub 114 during operation of washing machineappliance 100 can be more accurately controlled or regulated using suchoperating parameters stored within the memory of controller 180. Itshould be understood that steps 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445, 450and 465 can be modified and repeated to for cold water supply 192 inorder to establish or determine the cold water flow rate and atemperature of cold water within cold water supply 192.

While presented and described in the context of washing machineappliance 100, the present subject matter can be used in any suitableappliance. For example, the present subject matter may be used invertical axis washing machine appliance, dishwasher appliances,refrigerator appliances, dryer appliances, etc.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a washing machineappliance, comprising: initiating a learning cycle of the washingmachine appliance; determining a flow rate and a temperature of a heatedwater supply of the washing machine appliance during the learning cycle;establishing a flow rate and a temperature for a cold water supply thewashing machine appliance during the learning cycle; ascertaining adrain rate of a drain pump of the washing machine during the learningcycle; and storing the flow rate of the heated water supply, thetemperature of the heated water supply, the flow rate of the cold watersupply, the temperature of the cold water supply and the drain rate ofthe drain pump in a memory of the washing machine appliance during thelearning cycle.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculatinga system drag of a basket of the washing machine appliance during thelearning cycle, the basket having no articles for washing therein duringsaid step of calculating.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said step ofcalculating comprises: spinning the basket with a motor of the washingmachine appliance; decreasing an angular velocity of the basket aftersaid step of spinning; and computing the system drag of the basket basedat least in part on a change in inertia of the basket during said stepof decreasing.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step ofdetermining comprises: directing a volume of heated water from theheated water supply into a tub of the washing machine appliance over atime interval; and calculating the flow rate of the heated water supplybased at least in part on the volume of heated water and the timeinterval.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of determiningcomprises: directing a first volume of heated water from the heatedwater supply into a tub of the washing machine appliance; and measuringa temperature of the first volume of heated water in order to establisha transition temperature of the heated water supply.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein said step of determining further comprises: drainingthe first volume of heated water from the tub; refilling the tub with asecond volume of heated water from the heated water supply after saidstep of draining; gauging a temperature of the second volume of heatedwater in order to establish a steady state temperature of the heatedwater supply.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said step ofestablishing comprises: directing a volume of cold water from the coldwater supply into a tub of the washing machine appliance over a timeinterval; and calculating the flow rate of the cold water supply basedat least in part on the volume of cold water and the time interval. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of establishing comprises:directing a first volume of cold water from the cold water supply into atub of the washing machine appliance; and measuring a temperature of thefirst volume of cold water in the tub in order to establish a transitiontemperature of the cold water supply.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinsaid step of establishing further comprises: draining the first volumeof cold water from the tub; refilling the tub with a second volume ofcold water from the cold water supply after said step of draining;gauging a temperature of the second volume of cold water in the tub inorder to establish a steady state temperature of the cold water supply.10. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying whether theheated water supply and the cold water supply are reversed based atleast in part on at least one of the temperature of the heated watersupply and the temperature of the cold water supply.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said step of verifying comprises: comparing thetemperature of the heated water supply to a threshold temperature; andreversing the heated water supply and the cold water supply if thetemperature of the heated water supply does not exceed the thresholdtemperature at said step of comparing.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein said step of verifying comprises: comparing the temperature ofthe cold water supply to a threshold temperature; and reversing theheated water supply and the cold water supply if the temperature of thecold water supply exceeds the threshold temperature at said step ofcomparing.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of ascertainingcomprises: directing a volume of water from at least one of the heatedwater supply and the cold water supply into a tub of the washing machineappliance; removing the volume of water from the tub with a drain pumpof the washing machine appliance over a time interval; and establishinga drain rate of the drain pump based at least in part on the volume ofwater and the time interval.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising repeating said steps of initiating, determining,establishing, ascertaining and storing after a period of time in orderto update the flow rate of the heated water supply, the temperature ofthe heated water supply, the flow rate of the cold water supply, thetemperature of the cold water supply and the drain rate of the drainpump within the memory of the washing machine appliance.
 15. The methodof claim 1, wherein said step of initiating comprises initiating thelearning cycle of the washing machine appliance during installation ofthe washing machine appliance.
 16. A washing machine appliance,comprising: a tub; a basket rotatably mounted within the tub; a motorconfigured for selectively rotating the basket within the tub; a heatedwater supply conduit having an outlet positioned at the tub, the heatedwater supply conduit configured for directing a flow of heated waterinto the tub at the outlet of the heated water supply conduit; a heatedwater supply valve configured for regulating the flow of heated waterthough the heated water supply conduit; a drain conduit having an inletpositioned at the tub; a drain pump configured for selectively urging aflow of liquid out of the tub through the drain conduit; a temperaturesensor positioned proximate the tub, the temperature sensor configuredfor measuring a temperature of liquid within the tub or within theheated water supply conduit; and a controller in operative communicationwith the motor, the heated water supply valve, the drain pump and thetemperature sensor, the controller configured for working the heatedwater supply valve in order to direct heated water into the tub thoughthe outlet of the heated water conduit, a first volume of heated waterbeing disposed within the tub after said step of actuating; measuring atemperature of the first volume of heated water with the temperaturesensor; operating the drain pump in order to drain the first volume ofheated water from the tub; actuating the heated water supply valve inorder to direct heated water into the tub though the outlet of theheated water conduit, a second volume of heated water being disposedwithin the tub after said step of actuating; determining a heated waterflow rate based at least in part on at least one of a time interval ofsaid step of working and a time interval of said step of actuating;gauging a temperature of the second volume of heated water with thetemperature sensor; establishing a temperature of heated water withinthe heated water supply based at least in part on at least one of thetemperature of the first volume of heated water and the temperature ofthe second volume of heated water; running the drain pump in order todrain the second volume of heated water from the tub; ascertaining adrain rate of the drain pump based at least in part on at least one of atime interval of said step of operating and a time interval of said stepof running; and storing the heated water flow rate, the temperature ofheated water within the heated water supply and the drain rate within amemory of the controller.
 17. The appliance of claim 13, wherein thecontroller is further configured for: repeating said steps of working,measuring, operating, actuating, determining, gauging, establishing,running, ascertaining and storing after a period of time in order toupdate the heated water flow rate, the temperature of heated waterwithin the heated water supply and the drain rate within the memory ofthe washing machine appliance.
 18. A method for operating an appliance,comprising: initiating a learning cycle of the appliance; establishingan operational parameter of the appliance during the learning cycle; andstoring the operational parameter of the appliance in a memory of theappliance during the learning cycle.